Pakistan announces squad for ICC qualifiers

Islamabad

Pakistan has named a 15-player squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier, set to take place from April 9 to 19. The tournament, hosted by Pakistan, will determine the final two teams for the upcoming 50-over World Cup in India later this year.

Fast-bowling all-rounder Fatima Sana will lead the team, continuing her captaincy from last year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Notably, experienced all-rounder Nida Dar is absent from the squad despite being part of the recent training camp. Young batter Shawaal Zulfiqar makes a return after recovering from a shoulder injury.

The six-team competition includes West Indies, Thailand, Scotland, Ireland, Bangladesh, and hosts Pakistan. The round-robin format will see each team play once, with the top two securing World Cup berths.

Other teams have also announced their squads except for Thailand. Ireland will be led by Gaby Lewis, while Kathryn Bryce captains Scotland. Hayley Matthews heads the West Indies squad, and Nigar Sultana Joty leads Bangladesh.

The top two teams from the qualifier will join the already confirmed nations in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

BOX

Pakistan’s squad

Fatima Sana (c), Najiha Alvi, Gull Feroza, Sidra Amin, Omaima Sohail, Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sundhu, Muneeba Ali, Rameen Shamim, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Syeda Aroob Shah, Natalia Parvaiz, and Sidra Nawaz.